Our hero, convinced of the truth, though not satisfied with the
occasion of his admonitions, took his leave in a fit of sullen
discontent, and began to ruminate upon the shattered posture
of his affairs. All that now remained of the ample fortune he had
inherited was the sum he had deposited in his lordship's hands,
together with fifteen hundred pounds he had ventured on bottomry,
and the garrison, which he had left for the use and accommodation
of the lieutenant; and, on the per contra side of his account, he
was debtor for the supply he had received from the receiver-general,
and the money for which he was bound in behalf of his friend; so
that he found himself, for the first time of his life, very much
embarrassed in his circumstances. For, of the first half-year's
interest of his ten thousand, which was punctually paid, he had but
fourscore pounds in bank, without any prospect of a farther supply
till the other term, which was at the distance of four long months.
He seriously reflected upon the uncertainty of human affairs: the
ship with his fifteen hundred pounds might be lost; the gentleman
for whom he was security might miscarry in this, as well as in his
former projects, and the minister might one day, through policy or
displeasure, expose him to the mercy of his dependant, who was in
possession of his notes.
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